‘He Can Fight’ – Wenger hits back at Ozil’s critics ahead of Man United clash
Mesut Ozil has been called many things but rarely has he been described as a fight.
The Arsenal star has often been accused of the total opposite. Sections of the fanbase and pundits have criticised Ozil of not caring enough in the past.
The playmaker of Turkish origin has however, shown a clear desire to get stuck in over his last two games.
Ozil put on a man of the match display against Tottenham in the North London derby.
The 29-year-old also pulled off a man of the match performance in his next game against Huddersfield, providing two assists and scoring within a four minute span.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stated in his post-match press conference that he believes Ozil is a fighter and that he does actually care.
See More: Wenger has personally watched £17.5m Arsenal attacking midfielder target says agent, January transfer a ‘possibility’
“Nobody has to convince us he’s a great football player,” Wenger said.
“Everybody knows in the stadium he’s a great football player, but at the moment as well he shows he can fight.
“Our job is to encourage people to fight, but I think he always covered the distances in games, but he’s at an age where he’s more mature and understands what is more important and what is less important.”
Wenger also underlined that there is still a lot of love for Ozil and that he does not cow away from responsibility.
“Everybody wants to be acknowledged for his quality, and the judgements are sometimes harsh in a footballer’s job. But overall I believe the majority of people here love him, and always loved him,” he added.
“When you look at the percentage of possession during a game, no matter what the game is, he always wants the ball. He never hides, he’s always available.
“If you are dominated you touch the ball less, but when you win the ball, he always wants the ball.”
Ozil is expected to feature for Arsenal against Manchester United over the weekend – who he has been closely linked with.
The AOL – Alexis Sanchez, Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette – will however, be disrupted as Lacazette is expected to miss the clash with a groin injury.
Arsenal would close the gap with second placed United to just one point to just one point if they win.